Offset & Lithography

Offset, also known as lithography, is the most widely recognized form of commercial printing used today, and dates back to the late 1700’s. Offset is used to reproduce photo-quality images or illustrations, standard text, or designs that incorporate a host of ink colors.

Offset employs a flat plate containing the image, which is affixed to the cylinder of a printing press. When ink is applied, the image transfers from the plate, to the rubber blanket, and then to the paper.

Offset has made many technological and environmentally-friendly advances over the years, including the use of vegetable-based inks, the ability to print on papers with high recycled content, and the reduction of harsh chemicals and post-manufacturing waste.

What to know about Offset & Lithography

Choose paper carefully, offset inks are influenced by the brightness and color of the paper. Be prepared for changes in color depending on the paper’s surface finish and color.

Pantone Matching System (PMS) printing uses a premixed ink, so aside from the way it reacts to the paper, you know what to expect.

CMYK, or four color printing , uses a combination of cyan, magenta, yellow and black inks to create the printed image. The end product can vary depending on the press, stock and exact mix. Four-color projects need paper-specific prepress proofs, to simulate how inks will respond on press.

Metallic inks tend to absorb into uncoated paper when offset. If you’re going for a high-metallic effect, choose a coated sheet or go with engraving or foil stamping.

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